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Published : 17 May 2026, 08:52 PM
The government has decided to form an advisory committee to establish a Media Commission aimed at removing “undemocratic laws” and ensuring press freedom.
The decision came at a 90-minute meeting between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and a delegation from the Editors' Council at the Secretariat on Sunday.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, Editors' Council President and New Age Editor Nurul Kabir said the proposed advisory committee, comprising all relevant stakeholders, will work through June to draft a framework.
A final report will be submitted by July to facilitate the formulation of a democracy-friendly media law, he said.
"We apprised the prime minister of the undemocratic elements embedded within existing laws governing the media arena. He agreed on the need for a comprehensive review," Kabir said.
The discussions also addressed the challenges posed by misinformation and disinformation, particularly on social media, which undermine the credibility of the entire media landscape.
The Editors' Council also raised several industry concerns, including strengthening the Press Council, resolving outstanding advertisement dues, updating newspaper declaration terms, and ensuring the professional security of journalists.
The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam told journalists that a list of 282 journalists facing different lawsuits was handed over to the prime minister during the meeting.
"Among them, 94 have been implicated in murder cases," Anam said.
"We firmly said murder charges and numerous lawsuits against journalists do not reflect a healthy democratic environment and harm the government's image."
He added that the prime minister received the list with earnest concern and directed the information minister to review the cases and take necessary initiatives.
